Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An electronic device, comprising: a shell forming an exterior surface of the electronic device, the shell comprising a first material; a chassis formed along an interior of the shell and defining a machined shelf, the chassis comprising a second material; a display positioned at least partially within the shell; and a transparent cover positioned over the display and compliantly coupled to the machined shelf to form a seal between the transparent cover and the machined shelf.
This invention relates to the design of electronic devices, particularly addressing challenges in integrating a display with a protective transparent cover while ensuring structural integrity and sealing. The device includes a shell forming the exterior surface, made from a first material, and an internal chassis made from a second material. The chassis is positioned along the interior of the shell and includes a machined shelf. A display is mounted at least partially within the shell, and a transparent cover is placed over the display. The transparent cover is compliantly coupled to the machined shelf of the chassis, creating a sealed interface between the cover and the shelf. This design ensures a secure and sealed connection between the display and the transparent cover, protecting internal components while maintaining optical clarity. The machined shelf provides precise alignment and support for the transparent cover, enhancing durability and resistance to environmental factors such as moisture or dust. The use of different materials for the shell and chassis allows for optimized structural properties, such as rigidity and weight reduction, while the compliant coupling ensures a reliable seal without compromising the display's functionality. This approach is particularly useful in portable electronic devices where both protection and display quality are critical.
2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the chassis is formed from a chassis material having a machinability that is greater than a machinability of the shell.
This invention relates to electronic devices with a chassis and shell constructed from materials with different machinability properties. The problem addressed is the difficulty in manufacturing electronic devices where the chassis and shell must be precisely machined while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic quality. The solution involves an electronic device with a chassis and a shell, where the chassis is made from a material that is easier to machine than the shell material. This allows for more precise and efficient manufacturing of the chassis while the shell, which may require higher durability or specific aesthetic properties, can be made from a less machinable material. The chassis and shell are distinct components, with the chassis providing structural support and the shell enclosing the device. The difference in machinability ensures that the chassis can be manufactured with tight tolerances and complex geometries, while the shell can be formed from a material that prioritizes other properties such as strength, weight, or appearance. This approach optimizes the manufacturing process by balancing material properties for different functional requirements.
3. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein: the shell includes a back surface opposite the transparent cover; the back surface defines an opening; the chassis defines an attachment feature within the opening; a back cover is coupled to the attachment feature of the chassis; and an additional seal is formed between the attachment feature and the back cover by a compliant engagement of the attachment feature with the back cover.
This invention relates to electronic devices with improved sealing mechanisms for protecting internal components from environmental factors. The device includes a shell with a transparent cover on one side and a back surface on the opposite side. The back surface has an opening that aligns with an attachment feature on the chassis inside the shell. A back cover is secured to this attachment feature, creating a sealed connection. The attachment feature and back cover are designed to form an additional seal through compliant engagement, ensuring a tight fit that prevents dust, moisture, or other contaminants from entering the device. This secondary sealing mechanism enhances the device's durability and reliability in harsh environments. The compliant engagement may involve flexible materials or interlocking structures that adapt to manufacturing tolerances, ensuring consistent sealing performance. The invention is particularly useful for portable or outdoor electronic devices where environmental resistance is critical.
4. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the transparent cover is press fit within the machined shelf.
The invention relates to electronic devices with protective transparent covers, addressing the challenge of securely mounting such covers while maintaining optical clarity and structural integrity. The device includes a housing with a machined shelf designed to receive a transparent cover, such as glass or plastic, which is press-fit into the shelf. The press-fit mechanism ensures a tight, friction-based connection without adhesives or additional fasteners, simplifying assembly and reducing potential points of failure. The machined shelf may include features like grooves, ridges, or tapered edges to enhance the press-fit engagement and prevent accidental dislodgment. The transparent cover is positioned to protect underlying components, such as displays or sensors, while allowing optical transmission. The press-fit design also facilitates easy removal and replacement of the cover for maintenance or repairs. The invention may further include alignment features to ensure precise positioning of the cover during installation, ensuring consistent optical performance and structural stability. This approach improves durability and reliability in electronic devices where transparent covers are essential, such as smartphones, tablets, or wearable devices.
5. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein: the chassis further comprises a set of threaded mounts; and the electronic device further comprises a circuit board attached to the set of threaded mounts.
This invention relates to an electronic device with an improved chassis design for secure circuit board mounting. The device addresses the problem of unreliable circuit board attachment in electronic devices, which can lead to mechanical stress, misalignment, or failure during operation. The chassis includes a set of threaded mounts designed to provide a robust and precise connection point for attaching a circuit board. The circuit board is secured directly to these threaded mounts, ensuring stability and proper alignment. This design enhances the structural integrity of the device by reducing vibration-induced movement and preventing damage to solder joints or connectors. The threaded mounts may be integrated into the chassis or added as separate components, allowing for customization based on the device's size and weight requirements. The invention is particularly useful in high-performance or ruggedized electronic devices where mechanical stability is critical. By using threaded mounts, the circuit board is firmly anchored, improving durability and reliability in demanding environments.
6. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein: the shell defines a first portion of an opening configured to receive a component; and the chassis defines a second portion of the opening configured to receive the component.
The invention relates to electronic device design, specifically addressing the structural integration of components within a device housing. The problem solved is the efficient and secure assembly of components into an electronic device, ensuring proper alignment and structural integrity while minimizing assembly complexity. The electronic device includes a shell and a chassis, both contributing to a single opening designed to receive a component. The shell forms a first portion of this opening, while the chassis forms a second portion. This split design allows for precise component placement during assembly, ensuring proper alignment between the shell and chassis. The opening is configured to accommodate a specific component, such as a display, camera module, or other functional part, and the combined structure of the shell and chassis ensures the component is securely held in place. The design simplifies manufacturing by reducing the need for additional fastening mechanisms, as the component is directly supported by the integrated opening formed by both the shell and chassis. This approach enhances structural stability and reduces assembly time while maintaining device aesthetics and functionality.
7. The electronic device of claim 6 , wherein: the component is a compressible button; and the second portion of the opening defines a surface configured to receive the compressible button.
The invention relates to electronic devices with improved user interface components, specifically addressing the challenge of integrating compressible buttons into device housings while ensuring reliable functionality and durability. The device includes a housing with an opening divided into two portions. The first portion accommodates a component, such as a button or switch, while the second portion features a surface designed to receive a compressible button. This surface is structured to support the button's compression and decompression cycles, preventing misalignment or damage over time. The design ensures the button remains securely positioned within the housing while allowing for tactile feedback during use. The housing may be part of a larger electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable, where space constraints and user interaction requirements demand precise component integration. The invention enhances the durability and responsiveness of compressible buttons in electronic devices by optimizing the interaction between the button and the housing structure.
8. The electronic device of claim 7 , further comprising: an O-ring positioned between the second portion of the opening and the compressible button and configured to form a button seal between the chassis and the compressible button.
The invention relates to electronic devices with sealed button assemblies, addressing the challenge of maintaining water and dust resistance while ensuring reliable button functionality. The device includes a chassis with an opening divided into a first portion and a second portion. A compressible button is positioned within the first portion of the opening and is movable to actuate a switch. The second portion of the opening has a larger diameter than the first portion, creating a stepped surface. An O-ring is positioned between the second portion of the opening and the compressible button, forming a button seal that prevents contaminants from entering the device through the button assembly. The O-ring is compressed between the stepped surface of the opening and the button, ensuring a tight seal while allowing the button to move freely. The design ensures that the button remains functional while maintaining the device's environmental sealing requirements. The switch may be a dome switch or another type of tactile switch, and the button may include a flexible membrane or other sealing features to further enhance protection. The O-ring's placement and compression provide a reliable barrier against water and dust ingress without compromising button responsiveness.
9. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein: the shell comprises a ceramic material; and the chassis comprises at least one of: aluminum, machine steel, or plastic.
This invention relates to electronic devices with improved structural and thermal properties. The device includes a shell made of ceramic material, which provides durability, heat resistance, and aesthetic appeal. The shell encloses a chassis constructed from at least one of aluminum, machine steel, or plastic. Aluminum offers lightweight strength and thermal conductivity, machine steel provides high rigidity and impact resistance, and plastic allows for cost-effective manufacturing and design flexibility. The combination of ceramic shell and metal or plastic chassis enhances the device's structural integrity while optimizing thermal management and manufacturing efficiency. This design is particularly useful for portable electronics, where durability, heat dissipation, and weight are critical factors. The ceramic shell protects internal components from external damage and heat, while the chassis materials ensure stability and efficient heat transfer. The invention addresses the need for electronic devices that balance strength, thermal performance, and manufacturability in a compact form factor.
10. An electronic device, comprising: a ceramic shell forming an external surface of the electronic device and defining a display opening and a first portion of a component opening formed along the external surface; a display positioned within the display opening; a machined chassis formed from a material different than the ceramic shell and coupled to an interior surface of the shell, the machined chassis defining a second portion of the component opening; and a component positioned within the component opening.
This invention relates to electronic devices with ceramic shells and integrated component openings. The problem addressed is the difficulty of integrating functional components within a ceramic enclosure while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Ceramic materials, while durable and visually appealing, are challenging to machine for precise component integration. The solution involves a two-part opening design where the ceramic shell forms an external portion of the opening, while a machined chassis of a different material forms the internal portion. The ceramic shell provides the external surface of the device, including a display opening for a display component and a first portion of a component opening. The machined chassis, coupled to the interior surface of the ceramic shell, defines the second portion of the component opening. A component, such as a camera or sensor, is positioned within the combined opening. This design allows for precise component placement while leveraging the aesthetic and protective benefits of ceramic. The machined chassis, being of a different material, enables easier and more accurate machining for component integration. The invention ensures structural stability and seamless integration of functional elements within a high-end ceramic enclosure.
11. The electronic device of claim 10 , wherein the second portion of the component opening defines a contoured surface.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to electronic devices with improved structural components, specifically addressing the need for enhanced durability and functionality in device housings. The device includes a housing with a component opening that accommodates a functional element, such as a camera or sensor. The opening is divided into two portions: a first portion that provides a primary interface for the component and a second portion that defines a contoured surface. The contoured surface is designed to optimize the device's structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, or functional performance. For example, the contour may reduce stress concentrations around the opening, improve water resistance, or enhance the alignment of internal components. The contoured surface may also facilitate manufacturing processes, such as molding or machining, by allowing smoother transitions between different sections of the housing. The overall design ensures that the component remains securely integrated while maintaining the device's robustness and visual design. This approach is particularly useful in portable electronics where space constraints and durability are critical.
12. The electronic device of claim 11 , wherein: the component opening extends along a length of the shell; and the second portion of the component opening has a maximum width that is greater than an opening width of the first portion along the external surface.
This invention relates to electronic devices with improved component openings in their shells. The problem addressed is the difficulty of accessing internal components through conventional openings, which often have uniform widths that limit flexibility in component placement and assembly. The solution involves a shell with a component opening that varies in width along its length. The opening has a first portion with a narrower width at the external surface of the shell and a second portion with a wider width deeper inside the shell. This design allows for easier insertion and removal of components while maintaining structural integrity. The wider second portion accommodates larger components or tools, while the narrower first portion minimizes exposure of internal parts. The opening extends along the length of the shell, providing flexibility in component positioning. This design is particularly useful in devices where space is constrained, such as portable electronics, where efficient use of internal volume is critical. The varying width also allows for better alignment and retention of components during assembly. The invention improves manufacturability and serviceability of electronic devices by simplifying access to internal parts without compromising structural strength.
13. The electronic device of claim 11 , wherein: the machined chassis defines a shelf along a perimeter of the display opening; the electronic device further comprises a transparent cover positioned over the display; and the shelf and the transparent cover cooperate to form a seal configured to prevent ingress of contaminants into the electronic device by a compliant engagement of a surface of the shelf with the transparent cover.
This invention relates to electronic devices with sealed display assemblies, addressing the problem of contaminant ingress that can damage internal components. The device includes a machined chassis with a display opening and a shelf along its perimeter. A transparent cover is positioned over the display, and the shelf and cover cooperate to form a seal. The seal is created by a compliant engagement between the surface of the shelf and the transparent cover, ensuring contaminants cannot enter the device. The shelf provides a structural support for the cover while maintaining a tight fit. The transparent cover protects the display while allowing visibility. The compliant engagement may involve flexible materials or precise tolerances to ensure a reliable seal. This design is particularly useful for devices operating in harsh environments where dust, moisture, or other contaminants could compromise performance. The sealed assembly maintains device integrity without requiring additional sealing components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
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January 21, 2020
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